FAQ: Sabre 1552 Cordless Scanning system
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Sabre 1552 Cordless Scanning System

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the 1552 interface to an existing Intermec 2.4GHz wireless LAN?
No. The PicoLink radio module, although operating at 2.4GHz, will not interface to existing 2.4GHz wireless LANs. PicoLonk is not intended to be IEEE 802.11 or WLIF compliant.

Q: Will the 1552 coexist with an existing 2.4GHz wireless LAN without interference?
Yes. The PicoLink radio module transmits data at an extremely fast 1 Mbps transfer rate. This means that when transmitting a decoded one-dimensional bar code, the PicoLink radio is only "on the air" for approximately 0.005 seconds. Should a collision occur with either a 2.4 GHz wireless LAN data packet or another PicoLink data packet, the PicoLink protocol is designed such that it will try to resend the data packet on the same frequency or hop to another frequency and resend. Also the PicoLink power output is low (less than 1 mW), which further reduces the chance of interference with existing 2.4GHz systems.

Q: How many 1552 scanners can be used with each 9745 base station?
Up to nine 1552 scanners can be linked to a single 9745 base station at any one time, and each of these scanners can be uniquely configured. For example scanner 1 could be configured to add a prefix to the bar code, scanner 2 could be configured to strip the fourth character of the bar code, scanner 3 could be configured to turn the beeper to high volume, scanner 4 could be configured to turn the laser marker beam on, etc. Up to 20 base stations can coexist without interference from each other. Thus, up to 180 scanners can coexist without interference.

Q: How does the 9745 base station know which 1552 scanner it is communicating with?
The scanner transmits a hidden serial number with each data packet

Q: Can the 1552 scanner "roam" between 9745 base stations?
Not in the true sense of how the industry defines roaming. The user must associate the scanner with a base station by scanning the association label for that particular base station. To "roam" to a second base station, the user would need to associate the scanner to the second base station by scanning it's association label. Each 1552 scanner can only be associated with one base station at a time.

Q: What happens when the 1552 scanner moves out of range of the 9745 base station?
It depends on how long the 1552 is out of range and what the user does with the scanner while out of range. For example, if the user tries to scan a bar code while out of range for less than two hours, the 1552 will provide three short beeps and illuminate a flashing green indiactor light. This is the out-of-range error indication. If the 1552 is out of range of the base station for less than two hours, the 1552 will automatically re-associate with the base station once the scanner is back in range. If the 1552 is out of range of the base station for more than two hours, the 1552 will beep and automatically re-associate provided the base station is available.

Q: What happens if the battery pack is changed while the 1552 scanner is associated to a 9745 base station?
The 1552 scanner will automatically re-associate to the base as long as the scanner is within range and less than nine scanners are associated with the base station. The 1552 scanner and 9745 base station retain configuration when power is removed.

Q: How far can the 9745 base station be located from the host terminal?
It depends on the type of interface configuration selected. Practically speaking, RS 232 serial cable interfaces are limited to 50 feet (15 metres). Cable lengths for keyboard wedge configurations vary by computer terminal model and are a function of signal strength between the CPU and keyboard. Ask the sales office for details on 9745 base station standard cables lengths and cable extension lengths.

Q: Can the range of the 1552 scanner be increased?
The range of the 1552 is specified at 50 feet in an effort to "be in spec" for the majority of applications. Test results of the 1552 in an outdoor, open-air environment have yielded range values two to three times greater than specified. In general, range can be improved by locating the base station above the scanner and orienting the base station antenna so the radio waves can easily radiate. Remember that radio waves radiate from an antenna much the same way ripples "radiate" from the point where a stone is dropped in a pond.

Q: How well sealed is the 1552 System?
The 1552 scanner, with battery pack installed, is sealed against windblown rain and dust due to IEC 520 levels rated at IP54. The 9745 base station is rated at IP53(rain and dust). If used in rain, the base station should be oriented so that port access is facing down, and only the auxiliary port should be used since it has a waterproof seal when the cable is installed.

Q: How many scans will the 1552 achieve with a full charge?
Approximately 7,200 scans and 9,600 after the green charge status indicator is illuminated on the NiCad and NiMH battery packs, respectively. If charged for eight hours, the NiMH battery will reach it's full capacity(1200mAH) and achieve approximately 14,000 scans.

Q: How long does it take to charge the battery packs?
Assuming fully discharged battery packs, the green charge status indiactor LED will change from red to green after eight hours with the NICAD pack and four hours with the NiMH pack. Partially charged battery packs require less time to charge.

Q: Will the batteries discharge when left attached to the 1552 even though the scanner is not used?
Yes. When powered by the battery pack, the 1552 will constantly "beacon" for the 9745 base station even if the scanner is out of range or power is removed from the base station.

Q: Will the NiCAD battery pack exhibit decreased capacity charge capacity due to the "memory effect"?
All batteries have a limited number of charge/discharge cycles. The cells used in the 1552 NiCad battery pack are very high quality, and the integral "smart" charger used in the 1552 NiCad battery pack employs a unique charging algorithm, which virtually eliminates the NiCad memory effect.

Q: Does the 1552 scanner use the same scan engine as the 1550 and 1551 scanners?
Yes. the 1552 will have virtually identical depth of field and decode performance to the 1551.

Q: What scan engine optics are available for the 1552 scanner?
Standard range, high density, high visibility and long range with the later two having a software-selectable marker beam.

Q: What are the charge strip accessories used for?
The charge strips provide additional surge protection for the battery packs and a means to charge the battery packs in countries outside North America.

Q: Will the 1552 System Interface to Intermec terminals?
Yes. The wand emulation and RS 232 cable set allows the 9745 base station to interface to all current Intermec terminals.

Q: Are there plans to incorporate the EasySet System Software configuration tool in the 1552?
No, there are no current plans to do this. the 1552 and 9745 is configured using the 1552 Cordless Scanner Configuration Manual available for purchase from the Intermec Price Guide or download for free from the Intermec web site.

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